Winding clocks Backward (A poem)

Once we were free,
Without time on our heels
Winding clocks, still mysterious in movement and rhythm
Bees demanded our attention, not world politics
We did what we would, what pleased us
Flitting like butterflies through the neighborhood
With sunlight tangled in our wild hair
Wild as our thoughts and dreams, running
Bare feet touching every other step
In the tall grass of our safari fields
Searching out large and small game
Seeking knowledge not found in books
Or on advertisements
Cupping grasshoppers and crickets alike
Listening to their wise words and sharing our secrets
Knowing our secrets were safe, unbroken
Within the kaleidoscope of perfect childhood wonder
(J.Smith 2011)

The 'I's have it...

Each one of us is important in our own way. We are all valuable. We must remember to love ourselves.

How do you determine if you are a lovable person? Is it the love you receive and feel from others or is it that which comes from inside? Is there a difference? Could it just be that the love of self is sent out into the world and others experience it and decide that you are indeed worthy of love? What happens when these two concepts collide? or cancel each other out and you feel unlovable? Can one person really destroy that within you? If so, how is that possible, without you having already destroyed the internal love?

I spend a good portion of my time caring for others- be it my husband, cats, parents, co-workers, condo unit owners, clients, etc. Often, I forget to take care of myself. I have decided to challenge myself to paying more attention to me and my needs. This is difficult because it is not in my nature and can be seen as selfish. I am lovable and should respect that within myself. With this paying attention to me period, I have started by eliminating certain "jobs." I have resigned from my condo board, stopped taking on excessive amounts of volunteer work, stopped over-working and started enjoying new things. I started a screen printing class at a local art studio and picked up the fiddle. I am still out shooting, but had some computer equipment failure. Hopefully that will be fixed this evening so I will have new photos to share soon. It will be fun to see what happens with this little experiment. Hope you enjoy the ride with me. Have a great day everyone!